2026 Best Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Educational Assessment graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 173 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Minnesota State University Mankato earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Maryland University College landed the #2 spot. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,336. Students borrow a median of $23,276 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,287. Set against $23,276 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on University Of Maryland University College
A rank of #3 makes Winona State University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,576, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,551 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,532 ten years out. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Winona State University profile
Out of the 173 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Montclair State University landed the #4 spot. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,022 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $25,286. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $25,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
A rank of #5 makes University Of North Dakota one of the best values in the United States. Based in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. University Of North Dakota Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,110 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,552. That is a strong return on a $25,110 median debt. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full University Of North Dakota profile
Walden University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $11,067 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $49,361. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walden University
University Of Nebraska Lincoln landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public school based in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Educational Assessment students take on a median of $22,386 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $22,386 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $26,330 in student loans. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University Springfield placed #9 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,502 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
California State University Fresno ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. California State University Fresno is a public school based in Fresno, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,341, compared with $19,941 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,598 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,244. That is a strong return on a $15,598 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University Fresno
Loyola University Chicago placed #12 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Loyola University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,710 in tuition and fees. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,521. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,530. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Loyola University Chicago
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Set in Akron, OH, University Of Akron Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,135, with out-of-state students paying around $20,815. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $25,347. Median earnings reach $46,600 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Akron Main Campus report
Washington State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Washington State University is a public school based in Pullman, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,391, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $21,903. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about Washington State University
Texas A And M University College Station ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in College Station, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,995, compared with $40,124 for out-of-state students. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $20,031. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,097 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,031 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University College Station report
Kansas State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,221, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. Kansas State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,546 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,262 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Kansas State University
University Of Georgia placed #17 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. University Of Georgia Educational Assessment students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,495. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,386. That is a strong return on a $23,495 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Graduates carry a median of $23,324 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,151. That is a strong return on a $23,324 median debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants. More on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Purdue University Main Campus ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $19,844 in debt. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,844 median debt. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
University Of Memphis landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. University Of Memphis Educational Assessment students take on a median of $26,315 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Memphis
James Madison University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $21,218. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,954. Set against $21,218 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. James Madison University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about James Madison University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,239, with out-of-state students paying around $22,492. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,673. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte alumni report median earnings of $57,289 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
University Of Nevada Las Vegas placed #25 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. Graduates carry a median of $21,181 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. Set against $21,181 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. See the full University Of Nevada Las Vegas profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. Students borrow a median of $24,271 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Educational Assessment Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $21,577. Graduates go on to earn a median of $69,020 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,577 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Temple University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,259 in student loans. Median earnings reach $63,727 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Temple University profile
University Of Arkansas placed #28 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,019. Median earnings reach $58,191 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on University Of Arkansas
University Of Arizona ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Based in Tucson, AZ, University Of Arizona is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,500 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,979. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. University Of Arizona has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #30 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $23,393. Median earnings reach $81,698 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,393 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. More on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
University Of Iowa placed #32 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, while out-of-state students pay about $33,371. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. University Of Iowa admits about 84% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Georgia Southern University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Set in Statesboro, GA, Georgia Southern University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,022, compared with $17,734 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,500 in student loans. Georgia Southern University alumni report median earnings of $53,236 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,500 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Georgia Southern University
North Carolina State University At Raleigh offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, with out-of-state students paying around $32,847. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $22,113. North Carolina State University At Raleigh alumni report median earnings of $68,758 a decade after entry. Set against $22,113 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%. Read the full report on North Carolina State University At Raleigh
University Of Maryland College Park placed #35 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,836 in student loans. University Of Maryland College Park alumni report median earnings of $82,860 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,836 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Maryland College Park
Ball State University placed #36 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. The median Educational Assessment program debt is $24,518. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. More on Ball State University
Nova Southeastern University placed #37 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Set in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Nova Southeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,021 in student loans. Nova Southeastern University alumni report median earnings of $59,209 a decade after entry. Set against $25,021 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Nova Southeastern University has an acceptance rate of 73%. See the full Nova Southeastern University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Students borrow a median of $21,818 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
University Of Kentucky offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,094 in student loans. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $24,094 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Indiana University Bloomington placed #39 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Based in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Graduates carry a median of $20,542 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. That is a strong return on a $20,542 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
Georgia State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Georgia State University is a public school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,664, compared with $24,840 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,091 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Median earnings reach $47,384 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Georgia State University has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Georgia State University
Western Michigan University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Kalamazoo, MI, Western Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,981 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,562 ten years after entry. Set against $27,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Western Michigan University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Educational Assessment students take on a median of $23,530 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. Set against $23,530 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Miami University Oxford offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Oxford, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $24,177. Miami University Oxford alumni report median earnings of $55,076 a decade after entry. Set against $24,177 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Miami University Oxford report
University At Buffalo landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Buffalo, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,232 to complete their Educational Assessment program here. University At Buffalo alumni report median earnings of $70,814 a decade after entry. Set against $22,232 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University At Buffalo
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Educational Assessment students take on a median of $25,213 in debt. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Rochester placed #48 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. University Of Rochester is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,080. Typical Educational Assessment student debt is $21,517. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,042 ten years after entry. Set against $21,517 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Rochester
University Of Massachusetts Boston ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Educational Assessment schools. Set in Boston, MA, University Of Massachusetts Boston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,898 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,115 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,236 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,865 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,236 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Massachusetts Boston
University Of Connecticut placed #50 among the best-value Educational Assessment schools in the United States. Located in Storrs, CT, University Of Connecticut is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Graduates carry a median of $23,637 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,997. Set against $23,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. More on University Of Connecticut
Pepperdine University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Get the full Pepperdine University report
Hofstra University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. More on Hofstra University
Related Educational Assessment Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Educational Assessment Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Educational Assessment Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Educational Assessment Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 173 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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